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parttime · Sep 12, 2009, 02:13 PM

Hi, I have a Ryobi 14" metal cutting saw that seems to have lost power. When looking in the end of the motor as it works, the green sparking seems to be more than usual? Is this most likely the brushes? Is changing brushes a complicated job? Thanks in advance.

crigby · Sep 12, 2009, 02:50 PM

Hi,
You may like to look at:
Ryobi Tools :: Power Tools, Outdoor Products and Accessories
Peace,
Clarke

parttime · Sep 13, 2009, 05:10 AM

Crigby, thanks for the response. I've looked at the link, and still can't tell if replacing brushes will restore some power back to the saw, or if it's a complicated job to change? Or if the (excess)? sparking inside the end of the motor is even an indication of worn brushes, What do you think?

KISS · Sep 13, 2009, 08:21 AM

Worn brushes is the first indication of sparks. If it goes on for too long then the armature is damaged.

I some power tools the brushes are insertable externally. In others taking the housings apart, the brushes fall out. You ten insert the brushes and insert a temporary "keeper" through a small hole on the outside. This "Keeper" is a stiff piece of wire. You then assemble the device and pull out the "keeper".

Brushes only cost a few bucks.

Usually you inspect the armature for wear and/or do continuity tests for each coil on opposing sides and lightly sand the armature if necessary.

How can we help you without a link and model #?

parttime · Sep 13, 2009, 10:19 AM

Kiss, big help just anwering the question on spark and change out of brushes. I mainly was looking for confirmation that brushes could be bad. Thanks guys for the info.

KISS · Sep 13, 2009, 10:35 AM

Bad, most likely. Combined with armature - unknown.

This is like if you replace your brake shoes in your car before you get costly rotor damage, your OK.

Wait.. the springs of the brushes dig into the slip rings doing irrepairable damage. If the motor sits before rotating then the armature windings die.

parttime · Sep 13, 2009, 02:20 PM

Kiss, thanks again, but it looks like it's a moot point, Ryobi is calling the parts obsolete. My doing a little more searching and then just upgrade to a newer model. I've never done brushes but if I can locate them I'll give it a shot. Oh, It's a c356 model, like most of my tools, old and well used. Thanks again for the info.

KISS · Sep 13, 2009, 02:32 PM

If it's just brushes, go to your local vacuum cleaner repair place. Find a pair that's close or larger. You can file to size.

Those brushes replace from the outside. You'll see a insulated slotted screw. Unscrew and there is your brush with a spring.

That's what I did when I had to replace brushes on a car blower motor. The appliance repair shop here has an additude. The vacuum cleaner repair shop doesn't.

parttime · Sep 13, 2009, 06:17 PM

That's a great idea, I've got the parts break down and schematic as a guide, I hadn't thought of making the brushes. That's thinking outside the box.

crigby · Sep 13, 2009, 07:18 PM

Hi,
K.I.S.S. tried to rate this, but it would not let me. Had not thought of it; friend even owns the vacuum cleaner place I use at times, but a great idea.
Peace,
Clarke

KISS · Sep 13, 2009, 07:26 PM

My spot has an entire collection. You know the yellow drawers that the hardware stores have for odds and ends. He has drawers full of brushes.

crigby · Sep 13, 2009, 08:10 PM

Hi,
I have dealings with these people and get weekly emails:
Replacement Motor Brush On GlobalSpec
And they are possibly the "Digitek" of the industry ( I am sure they do not like me comparing them to an over-priced military provider.)
Peace
Clarke